The Cheatham County School District will be closed on Monday, Aug. 21, the day of the total solar eclipse.

Originally, the district had planned to be open and host viewing events for students and staff members in the Pleasant View area.

"One of the prime viewing areas for the solar eclipse is in Middle Tennessee, including Cheatham County. As a result, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit the area that day to seek the best possible view,” said Director of Schools Dr. Cathy Beck.

After consulting with the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security and Tennessee Highway Patrol, the district made the decision to close due to potential safety issues among students and the anticipation of increased traffic on local roadways throughout the day.

“The safety of our students is our top priority,” Beck said. “The unprecedented nature of an eclipse of this magnitude leaves many questions unanswered, and the unique and unfamiliar nature of the day is out of our control.”

The district also notes that several Middle Tennessee school districts that are in the direct path of the eclipse have decided to close that day as well.

Even though school will not be in session, the district will embrace this learning opportunity and the science phenomenon with excitement in the classroom leading up to the eclipse.

In addition, every student will receive solar eclipse glasses that are being recommended to wear while viewing the eclipse. The district will educate its students on the importance of wearing the glasses to ensure they will have an optimal and positive experience in viewing this phenomenon.

The district will use one of its 13 stockpile weather days to account for the day out of school.

The district’s daycares will be open that day, while the central office will be closed.

After-school activities, such as athletic practices and games, will continue as planned.

Cheatham County students and families are invited to watch the eclipse together at one of the many viewing events planned in the county:

Cheatham County School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin or handicap in the operation of its educational programs and activities including employment practices.